Does Montana have Medicaid for seniors?

Asked by: Dr. Boyd Jacobs  |  Last update: February 3, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

There are several programs in Montana to help seniors obtain health care services and free or affordable prescription drugs. Medicare and Medicaid are the most common options, but other programs may provide assistance in certain circumstances.

What is the income limit to qualify for Medicaid in Montana?

Medicaid is free but requires an application to enroll and you must make less than $20,782.

Do seniors automatically get Medicaid?

Here are the ways that dually eligible seniors might qualify for Medicaid. If you get monthly financial assistance through SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid. If you qualify for an MSP based on your income, you are eligible for partial Medicaid benefits.

What is Montana Medicaid called?

Montana Medicaid and HMK Plus are healthcare benefits for eligible low-income Montanans.

Do you automatically get Medicaid if you get SSI in Montana?

In Montana, any aged, blind, or disabled individual determined eligible for SSI receives Medicaid. This support enables them to receive regular medical attention and maintain their independence.

Experts give tips on how to renew Medicaid coverage in Montana

31 related questions found

What's the difference between Medicaid and SSI Medicaid?

Although SSI and Medicaid are both means-tested programs, financial eligibility for SSI is determined using standard national criteria, whereas Medicaid is administered by the states, which have considerable leeway in developing Medicaid eligibility policies.

What assets are exempt from Medicaid in Montana?

Exempt Assets for 2025 for an Applicant in Montana:
  • $2,000 or less in cash or non-exempt assets if single.
  • One home with an equity limit of $688,000 (exempt if planning to return, or if a spouse, child under 21, or disabled dependent resides there).
  • One car.

How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in Montana?

Q: How long will it take for the Office of Public Assistance (OPA) to process my application? A: The OPA has 45 days to process new applications for Medicaid. If you applied for SNAP at the same time, the state has 30 days to process that application.

Can you have Medicare and Medicaid in Montana?

This State Profile provides an overview of persons who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid benefits in Montana, referred to as Medicare-Medicaid enrollees. Medicare-Medicaid enrollees are low-income seniors and people with disabilities.

How can senior citizens get free money from the government?

Government Benefits for Seniors Over 65
  1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a federal disability insurance program.
  2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a federal cash assistance program for low-income people who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled.

How often does Medicaid check your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can check your account balances for bank accounts at any financial institution you've used in the past five years. They will check when you submit an application and on an annual basis, but checks can occur at any time.

What is the best health insurance for seniors over 70?

Medicare is the best health insurance for retirees and seniors. You can choose between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or private, bundled coverage, called Medicare Advantage.

What income is too high for Medicaid?

In general, however, the income limits are low. In most states in 2025, the income limit for receiving long-term care at home or in a nursing home through Medicaid is $2,901/month.

How do I verify Medicaid eligibility in Montana?

Check member eligibility by calling Provider Relations at the telephone number below, by calling Integrated Voice Response (IVR) at (800) 714-0060, or accessing the Montana Access to Health (MATH) web portal.

How many people in Montana are on Medicaid?

By: Blair Miller - September 20, 2024 4:10 pm

As of June in Montana, there were around 81,000 people covered under expanded Medicaid out of a total of 228,000 covered by the overall program. Medicaid covers about one-fifth of Montana's population.

What does Medicaid cover for seniors?

Mandatory benefits include services including inpatient and outpatient hospital services, physician services, laboratory and x-ray services, and home health services, among others. Optional benefits include services including prescription drugs, case management, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?

People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.

What is not covered by Medicaid?

Similarly, supplements like vitamins, herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines, and OTC medicated creams cannot be purchased using Medicaid funds. These items are usually not covered by any medical insurance, so it is not abnormal that they are not covered by Medicaid, either.

What is the age limit for Medicaid in Montana?

Montana Medicaid

In order to qualify for Medicaid, you must meet the monthly income guidelines (see chart). To qualify for Medicaid, you must also be a Montana resident between the ages of 18-64 and not eligible for Medicare.

What paperwork do I need for Medicaid?

Proof of citizenship or immigration status. Proof of income, like paystubs or W-2s. A verification of what other government benefits you receive. Information about an insurance plan your employer has offered you or an insurance plan you currently have.

What is the cut off for Medicaid in Montana?

Under the expanded guidelines, Medicaid is available for all adults with incomes up to 138% of poverty; in 2024, that's $20,782 for a single adult. (Medicaid and CHIP eligibility limits for children and pregnant women are higher, and remained unchanged by the waiver approval.)

What is covered under Montana Medicaid?

Medicaid covers the cost of health care services to address members' physical, behavioral health, dental, and long-term care needs. Medicaid provides coverage for children, adults, and seniors. It is a critical source of coverage for rural Montanans and American Indian communities.

Can you hide assets to qualify for Medicaid?

Purposely not disclosing asset information in order to gain Medicaid eligibility is illegal. It is fraud, and consequences for hiding assets can be severe, including jailtime and hefty fines. Furthermore, persons should not gift assets as a means to “hide” them and qualify for Medicaid.